You are here

In Brief | Big Island & State | 4-22-14

In Brief | Big Island & State | 4-22-14

Police are looking for these two people shown in this surveillance image from a Hilo shopping mall. Hawaii Police Department/Special to West Hawaii Today

In Brief | Big Island & State | 4-22-14

Police are looking for this alleged assailant shown in this surveillance image from a Hilo shopping mall. Hawaii Police Department/Special to West Hawaii Today

In Brief | Big Island & State | 4-22-14

Pola

IDs sought of alleged assailant, accomplice

Big Island police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two individuals depicted in surveillance images in connection with an incident outside a department store in Hilo last week.

At 12:09 p.m. Friday, a female patron was observed concealing an item and then exiting a store in a shopping mall on Puainako Street without paying. After store employees confronted the woman and a male companion outside the store and attempted to escort them inside, the male threw one of the employees to the ground, causing injuries to his head and ribs. The pair then fled the area on foot in the direction of Makaala Street, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Anyone with information about the identity or location of the individuals in the surveillance images should call the police department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Advisory issued for east-facing shores

A high surf advisory has been issued for Hawaii Island’s east-facing shores through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

National Weather Service forecasters based in Honolulu are calling for 6- to 9-foot waves along east-facing shores of the island’s north, east, and southern coasts.

The service categorized the surf’s impact as “moderate,” cautioning of strong breaking waves, shore break and currents that make swimming dangerous. Oceangoers are advised to heed all advice from ocean safety officials.

Police looking for missing Puna teen

Big Island police are searching for a 15-year-old Puna boy who was reported missing.

Justin Pola was last seen at his Pahoa home on April 11. He is described as 5-foot-9, weighing 170 pounds, and having brown eyes and brown hair, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call the Police Department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.

Highway 190 lane closure goes until July

A lane closure along sections of Highway 190 from the Waikoloa Junction to Puuanahulu began Monday and will continue through July 31, according to Hawaii Electric Light Co.

One lane will be closed to traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Motorists are advised to expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes, if possible. The closure will allow crews to upgrade transmission lines and equipment to improve system reliability.

For more information, call 969-6666.

Police arrest 20 for alleged drunken driving

Big Island police arrested 20 motorists for allegedly driving under the influence of an intoxicant between April 14 and Sunday. Four of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes.

So far this year, there have been 407 DUI arrests, compared with 405 during the same period in 2013, an 0.5 percent increase, police stated.

There have been 491 major accidents so far this year, compared with 404 during the same period in 2013, a 21.5 percent increase.

So far this year, there have been four traffic fatalities on Hawaii Island compared with 12 during the same period in 2013, a 66.7 percent decrease.

Disabled man, Delta Air Lines settle claim

HONOLULU — A partially paralyzed Maui man who claimed airline workers forced him to crawl on and off flights in 2012 has settled his lawsuit against Delta Air Lines.

Baraka Kanaan sued Delta last year after he claimed the airline didn’t provide him a wheelchair or other assistance on two flights in 2012.

Kanaan has been unable to walk since an accident in 2000. His lawsuit said he had to crawl across the tarmac and down the aisle of the plane coming to and leaving Nantucket, Mass. The suit said the ordeals were humiliating and caused wrenching pain in his spine.

His attorney Brian Brazier confirmed that the suit has been settled. He said the settlement terms are confidential.

Marine accused of murder goes on trial

KANEOHE BAY, Oahu — A Marine charged with the murder of a prostitute visiting Hawaii is on trial this week.